What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Chromopsia

What is Chromatopsia? (Definition/Background Information)

• Chromatopsia is a visual condition in which the patient has excessive sensitivity to one color, leading to objects appearing tinged with that specific color or unnaturally colored objects
• The many variations incorporate the different colors to which the patient can be sensitive. For example, xanthopsia results in yellow-tinted vision, while cyanopsia results in blue-tinted vision

Incidence:

• Individuals of all age groups and gender may be affected
• There is no racial or ethnic preference noted worldwide

Risk factors and Cause:

• Chromatopsias are separated into three main groups:
  • Central/cerebral Chromatopsia: It results from neurological disorders, including drug-induced factors. Central Chromatopsia may also lead to hallucinatory sensations, as the tinted vision can cause possible hallucinations
  • Retinal Chromatopsia: It results from conditions related to the retina, the region in the back of the eye containing the cells that receive light. Some examples include retinal hemorrhages or macular edemas
  • Optical Chromatopsia: It results from certain conditions involving the eye such as jaundice and cataract extractions
• Other causes of Chromatopsia include electric shock and snow blindness. Snow blindness is a conditions whereby ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun reflect off ice and snow in higher rates (due to the lighter color) and enter the eye, leading to damage

Diagnosis:

• A diagnosis for Chromatopsia can begin with a drug screening for common drugs that cause the disorder
• Additionally, a complete eye exam and testing of color perception aids in the diagnosis
• Neural imaging, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) technique, can be used to determine cells in the eye that may cause Chromatopsia

Treatment:

• The treatment of Chromatopsia varies from one individual to another depending on the cause of the condition
• For those with medication-induced Chromatopsia, discontinuing the medication can lead to positive results, under the healthcare provider’s advice

Prevention: It may include the use of UV-protection glasses and taking precautions while using certain medications.

Prognosis:

• The prognosis depends on the underlying cause of Chromatopsia as well
• Yet, with early action, the outcomes can be improved

The variations of Chromatopsia include:

• Chloropsia
• Cyanopsia
• Erythropsia
• Ianthinopsia
• Xanthopsia